Kiddushin

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
"Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
-Matthew 26:26-28

Very simple words.

Nothing fancy. Just a rabbi and his followers, partaking of the Passover meal. It had been an eventful week. Jesus had entered Jerusalem on a donkey, disrupted trade in the Temple, taught many parables, and cursed a fig tree. This night found Him in the company of friends, the ones He loved. It should have been a time of rejoicing-they were celebrating Israel's deliverance from slavery.

Yet the mood was somber.The Passover Lamb was leading His followers through a story that they never witnessed before. The Lord had said that He would be crucified only a short while earlier. Now He had just taken the cup and the bread, saying that they were His Blood and Body. The disciples were probably quiet, pondering His words. In only a short time, one of the disciples would be dead, another overcome with shame, and the Lord would destroy death. The Bridegroom had betrothed Himself to His Bride-all that was left was to sanctify Her.

The word "kiddushin" is Hebrew for "sanctification". "Kiddushin" is used primarily for the marriage of a man and woman. But in this case, it was Jesus marrying Himself to His Church. All betrothals in the Jewish tradition were sealed with a glass of wine. The wine used was sweet, symbolizing the joy and abundance of the union. In the Lord's case, it symbolized the shedding of His blood to sanctify His people. The Lord knew this-I believe He did-that though His death would cause anguish to his Beloved, He also knew the joy and abundance that would come.

The Lord knew what was waiting for Him. He knew the price He had to pay. His bride price was His very self-nothing else would do. There was no way out. He broke the bread, and reminded them that though He would be gone, they should remember Him. Then He picked up the cup, the cup set out for Elijah to herald the coming of Messiah, blessed it, and reassured them that He would be with them again. On the eve of Israel's delivery from slavery, so the Lamb was delivering His loved ones from the clutches of death.

At the conclusion of the betrothal ceremony, the Chazan (groom) assures his Kallah (bride) that he would prepare a home for her. The Lord said that He has gone to prepare a place for us. If it was not so, He would be breaking His promise to provide for us. Each marriage was witnessed and drawn up with a contract (or ketubah). This was considered as binding as the marriage itself. This remained with the Kallah until the wedding night. Our ketubah is the Bible-when our Savior returns, our ketubah with be fulfilled.

Until then, we wait with hope. Come, Lord Jesus!